How Side Missions Work in Red Dead Redemption 2

By Derek Nichols 23 May 2018

Following its reveal and subsequent delay, fans have been waiting patiently for any news regarding the upcoming open-world western, Red Dead Redemption 2. While Rockstar Games has remained tight-lipped on the highly anticipated game, new information has now been arriving almost daily following the reveal of the game’s third trailer. Fans now have an idea of how certain game mechanics work, such as earning horse loyalty or managing the van der Linde gang. Thanks to a recent interview, new details surrounding side and optional missions have also come to light.

Speaking to Jeuxactu, Rockstar co-president Rob Nelson revealed that the studio’s goal during development was to unite main and side missions, placing equal focus on both to remain consistent with the main character’s point of view. While these missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 should feel fun and varied, the teams worked hard to make each mission feel natural to reinforce the player’s immersion as Arthur Morgan and the connection between each of the missions. The hope is that the missions feel organic rather than random and out of character for Arthur.

Nelson went on to give an example of how players can find new missions and quests while playing. Since Morgan is both the right-hand man of Dutch van der Linde as well as someone who is looked upon to provide for the gang, the game presents new content for players to reinforce the feeling of being this outlaw who is part of a famous gang. Simply speaking to an NPC at the hideout could result in a new bank heist opportunity, or gain knowledge related to advancing the main story. While heading out to hunt for supplies, players could also easily come across new information or find something which leads to new content.

In addition to an engaging storyline surrounding John Marston, Red Dead Redemption players also had plenty of side questions and optional tasks called Stranger Missions to work through. This time around, it appears that Rockstar is also trying to elevate the content that is typically seen as not important to match the high standards set in the main story as well as the gameplay found within the rich open sandbox. While it may have taken Rockstar eight years to develop its latest game, the wait appears to have been well worth it thanks to every part of Red Dead Redemption 2 being handcrafted with care.